She hides behind coffee beans and sisterly duty.
He hides behind paperbacks and quiet songs.
But time has a way of revealing everything.
Gwen runs a bustling café in Hickory Falls—and carries some of the town’s darkest secrets.
She’s undercover, keeping an eye on the new doctor, protecting her found family,
and pretending her heart’s not on the line.
Jake came to town for peace, purpose… maybe even a fresh start.
He didn’t expect the guarded barista next door.
She’s not ready for love.
He’s not afraid of her past.
When danger comes knocking, Gwen is reminded:
you can’t always judge a book by its cover.
And sometimes, the safest place… is in someone else’s arms.
Gwen must choose—risk her heart on the quiet man next door,
or play it safe and walk away from her chance at true love.
| Setting | Small Town |
|---|---|
| Location | Berkshire's of Massachusetts |
| Heat level | Sweet / Clean |
| Point of view | Third Person, Dual |
